We’re moving premises on 19th December and may experience some interruption with our emails and telephone contact. Please bear with us! If you’d like to try oumore...

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Pennine On the Move

19/12/2014

We’re moving premises on 19th December and may experience some interruption with our emails and telephone contact. Please bear with us! If you’d like to try our new telephone no 01535 635328 or our office mobile no 07989 322205. It’s business as usual, albeit a bit topsy turvy over the Christmas Break!

Disruption to Pennine Electricity Thursday 12th June will interrupt play!

Thursday 12th June 2014

Northern Grid are carrying out essential maintenance to trees within the Silsden area on Thursday 12th June which will result in our electricity supply being cut off for possibly the majority of the day. Limited access to emails may result in a delay in responding immediately to any queries so please bear with us!

BBC News State That Exercise Is As Good As Pills

October 2013

Outdoor Fitness and Gym Equipment are a genuine solution to helping our nation get fitter. The BBC today have published the following report:

By Michelle Roberts, Health editor, BBC News online

Short, regular bouts of exercise could add years to your life, say experts

Exercise can be as good a medicine as pills for people with conditions such as heart disease, a study has found.

The findings suggest exercise should be added to prescriptions, say the researchers.

Experts stressed that patients should not ditch their drugs for exercise - rather, they should use both in tandem.

Doing exercise regularly:

Can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to 50%

Can lower your risk of early death by up to 30%

Can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy as well as keep weight off

Moderate activity, such as cycling or fast walking, gives your heart and lungs a work-out

Source: NHS Choices

Climbing Wall Range Launch

October 2013

The launch of Pennine’s Aztec Climbing Walls in October 2013 is providing our Key Stage 2 children with a fantastic range of new, exhilarating and challenging climbing walls. The range of 9 units feature varying sizes and degrees of difficulty. The funky angles presented by the curvy climbing walls provide exciting “upside-down-inside-out” sensations of climbing with both horizontal and lateral climbing.

One Day Appointed Persons First Aid Training

September 2013

Despite the sun shining on a Friday afternoon, all Pennine Site Engineers spent a day at H.Q. taking part in a one day Appointed Persons First Aid Course. Copious amounts of coffee and biscuits were consumed in and amongst this vital health and safety training provided by PACO First Aid.

Pen-y-cum Special School Play Area Project

September 2013

Pennine have just been awarded a substantial play area refurbishment project at Pen-y-cum Specialist School in Wales. Pennine’s Design and Sales teams have worked closely with the School’s Management Team to provide a bespoke scheme to meet the special needs of all the children. The new outdoor learning activities include inclusive play panels, sunken trampolines, sail shades, mark making areas, rubber mulch and outdoor fitness equipment.

Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Fitness Equipment Launched

July 2013

2 new pieces of outdoor gym equipment are launched by Pennine Outdoor Fitness to meet the needs of our Special Educational customers. The Low Level Shoulder Station is designed for wheelchair users in particular and offers a fabulous opportunity to improve mobility and flexibility in the shoulders and arms. The Pull Up and Back Extension Unit again is designed predominantly for wheelchair users and offers strengthening and flexibility for the upper body and core.

Angry Birds Activity Park Installation Success

April 2013

The completion of the installation of the Angry Birds Activity Park at Lightwater Valley within budget and within an incredible 5 week build timescale has been heralded an outstanding success by Team Pennine.

Lytham Close Play Area Skipton Awarded to Pennine Playgrounds

February 2013

Pennine Playgrounds are delighted to have been awarded the play area revamp for our local Town Council Skipton, which is to be funded by the Friends Of Group and Yorventure Ltd.

Angela Pease, community projects manager for Yorventure, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support a scheme of this kind, which will make a real difference in transforming what was, in effect, just an area of bare Tarmac into an exciting playground for young people in this part of the town to enjoy.”

Outdoor Fitness and Gym Equipment Innovation

February 2013

Pennine Playgrounds’ range of Outdoor Fitness Equipment is being extended with several items currently under design ready for TUV testing at the end of March. A new Chest Press and Shoulder Pull Down Unit is the first new unit to be added, with orders already placed for this popular upper body exercise piece. All new items will be certified to the latest TUV DIN 79000 Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equipment Standard.

Pennine Playgrounds are awarded prestigious school play area development for Iqra Community Primary - January 2013

A fantastic scheme has been given the thumbs up by the Governors at Iqra Community Primary School in Bradford to develop their Foundation Stage outdoor learning space. Natural features including digging pits, messy area and puddle paths which combine with den making, outdoor musical instruments and Flexiplay wetpour safety surfacing to provide the ultimate in outdoor play for foundation aged children.

Gateshead Council Press Release for Outdoor Fitness Equipment

2nd November 2012

A gym for all seasons

Gyms with a difference are now open at two parks in Gateshead.

The outdoor green gyms have been installed in Gateshead Council’s Saltwell Park and at Windy Nook Nature Reserve, and include 10 pieces of fitness equipment at each site. Able to accommodate up to 42 people at a time, equipment includes airwalkers, leg presses, bikes, steppers and more and can be used by anyone aged 14 and over for free.

The green gym will be set up in a circuit style at Saltwell Park beside the tennis courts, and in clusters of threes and fours at Windy Nook to encourage people to use the whole park.

Gateshead Council cabinet member for culture, Cllr Linda Green, said: “Studies have shown being out in a green space and being given the opportunity to access fitness equipment or activity sessions helps reduce risks of obesity and other long term conditions, encouraging increased participation in physical activity and providing obvious health benefits. I’m sure that in the coming months and years this new equipment will be a fantastic way to help local people keep active and healthy.”

To help local residents and people using the parks understand how to get the most out of the new green gyms informal activity sessions have been set up at both sites, with a member of the Gateshead Council sport & physical activity team on hand to give advice and pointers. Weekly bootcamp sessions have also been set up at Saltwell Park on Fridays at 10am and at Windy Nook on Thursdays at 9.15am.

Lesley Rutter, a local resident and regular user of the Saltwell Park, said: “I think the green gyms are a great idea and they’ll be really popular. It will inspire people that don’t like going to traditional gyms to get active and use these ones instead.”

Details on activity sessions at both green gyms can be found at www.gateshead.gov.uk/greengymsor by contacting Gateshead Council’s Sport, Physical Activity and Health Development Team on 0191 433 6945.

Calderdale Council Award Pennine 2 Outdoor Fitness Equipment Projects

November 2012

Pennine Outdoor Fitness are delighted to have been awarded 2 contracts for the provision of green outdoor gyms for Calderdale Council to be sited at Crow Wood and Hullen Edge. The projects will provide the local communities with free access to 10 and 8 exercise stations each offering a full range of exercises including cardio, strengthening and toning, targeting all major muscle groups.

Pennine Awarded Prestigious Durham Council Project

November 2012

Durham County Council have awarded Pennine a contract at Scartop in Barnard Castle to provide an adventure play area for their younger children to be carried out in Spring 2013 – this design and build project is a fantastic example of Pennine Playgrounds’ in house design flair and innovation – congratulations Team Pennine!

Rapid Response Wet Pour Safety Surfacing Success

October 2012

Rapid response flexiplay wet pour safety surfacing teams have been highly sought after this month with our 24 hour response proving very successful to our clients enabling their small repairs to be rectified quickly - the old adage “a stitch in time saves time” never being so true.

9 Post PiP Makes Its Debut at Wibsey Primary School

September 2012

The first 9 Post PiP has been installed into Wibsey Primary School in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to include an area of astro turf beneath it to provide all weather outdoor learning oppotunities. The variety of Learning Canvasses ensure that the children have a different activity every play time.

Outdoor Fitness Kit Launch Offer

20th September 2012

For a limited period only, to celebrate our TUV Certification, Pennine Outdoor Fitness are offering a huge 20% discount off the supply price of Alfresco Fit equipment, for all orders placed by 31st October 2012.

MUGA MADNESS

September 2012

With the beginning of the new school year now well underway, Pennine are celebrating several successful MUGA installations over the summer period with 2 more currently under construction.

TUV Certificate awarded to Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment

13th September 2012

The TUV DIN 79000 Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equiment Standard has been certified to our Range of Alfresco Fit Outdoor Gym Equipment - this is the latest and most updated standard which was published in May 2012, superceding the previous TUV standard which was largely based around the EN1176 play equipment standard, and the EN597 gymnasium equipment standard.

Cottingley Primary School Textured Pathways

September 2012

Team Pennine are nearing completion of the full outdoor play area refurbishments at Cottingley Primary School, with an incredible transformation - textured pathway, puddle pool, climbing unit, feature mound with crawl through tunnel are just a few of the fantastic enhancements to the play area.

Outdoor Gym Equipment - TUV DIN 79000 Certification

August 2012

Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment is currently undergoing the rigours of the TUV DIN 79000 Testing and Certification – this is the most updated standard for Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equipment for Adults – being published in May 2012. Significantly, all moving parts within our range of Alfresco Fit Outdoor Gym Kit have a superior torsion system applied, to ensure a fantastically controlled, smooth and gradual range of movement, with no jerky, unexpected jolts which can be difficult for less agile users.

Outdoor Fitness Equipment sited on Newcastle Quayside

June 2012 - Newcastle Quayside

Pennine Outdoor Fitness are delighted to have completed a stunning new outdoor fitness facility on the Quayside of the River Tyne in Newcastle. 4 pieces of outdoor gym equipment have been sited on the quayside, which is regularly used as a through-route for joggers and cyclists, to encourage both those already out exercising to enhance their exercise regime, but to also encourage visitors and of course the local working population to get fitter.

Playfair Exhibition 19th and 20th June 2012

June 2012

Pennine are to make their debut at Playfair 2012 at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, using this year’s outdoor exhibition to launch their new ranges of Alfresco Fit and Agility Fit Outdoor Fitness and Exercise Equipment. Visit us at Stand B6 for a quick work out and then a refreshing drink!

STOP PRESS....NEW RANGE OF OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT TO BE LAUNCHED

Summer 2012

After outstanding levels of business with our outdoor fitness equipment up to and during Spring 2012, Pennine are extending the range of outdoor gym equipment to include a fully branded range of 10 items of outdoor gym items as well as a full range of Agility Fit equipment to include monkey bars, chin up bars and climbing walls. The Alfresco range of outdoor gym equipment is presently being TUV tested in advance of its launch in Summer 2012. Watch this space for more exciting information!

The Rise of the Adult Playground

BBC News - 7th May 2012

Pennine Playgrounds hits the BBC News headlines with 'The Rise of the Adult Playground' showing a substantial increase for Outdoor Gym Equipment into local parks and recreational areas.

TES Resources Show Success

19th and 20th April 2012

The Pennine Playgrounds' Stand featuring The PiP, a Ball Catcher and an Early Years A Frame Climber was a fantastic success this weekend at the TES Resources Show, for Primary Education and Special Educational Needs, hosted at Manchester Central. The Ball Catcher was particularly well received with a number of orders being taken on the day, and the added benefit of providing a fun activity for all to take part in.

New Products Launched - Stop Press!!

April 2012

The Pennine Ball Wall and High Peaks Traversing Walls have been launched with installations at SS Simon and Judes Primary School in Bolton. Both manufactured by Pennine Playgrounds from outstanding quality products to a fantastic design, these 2 pieces of kit will enhance our schools range of outdoor play equipment. Photos are uploaded on our facebook page!

Pennine Celebrate City of London Outdoor Fitness Equipment Order

April 2012

Team Pennine are delighted to be working with The City of London in the installation of 3 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment to be installed in West Ham Park. The items chosen by The City of London procurement team are a Bike and Stepper, Triple Strength Station and Double Nordic Skier.

Todmorden News - A New Dimension to Keeping Ourselves Fit

A PATIENTS’ group is looking at placing outdoor fitness equipment in town, if there is enough interest and crucial sponsorship can be found.

Todmorden Patients Participation Group is looking into the possibility, and were able to see Vicki Braithwaite, of Pennine Playgrounds, speak about the innovative equipment at the group’s March meeting, and try it out.

It is made in Germany by SAYSU, a company which focuses on the development and manufacture of outdoor equipment specially designed to provide improved health through different forms of exercise. It would be suitable for all ages and abilities, but would cost around £15,000.

Todmorden PPG vice-chairman Chris Baksa said local groups had been invited to see the equipment in use.

“We are looking into it and are trying to get some sponsorship from local groups or companies - it would cost around £15,000. Our nation has been criticised for our unhealthy lifestyle and tendancy to gain weight. The equipment will bring a new dimension to keeping fit as there are no membership fees or restricted trading hours meaning everyone would be able to exercise at their own convenience and at a pace that suits themselves,” he said.

The group hopes equipment would be placed in a position where a recreational facility would be nearby to facilitate a meeting place for all age groups, with exercise being the main focus.

More details will be posted on noticeboards at Todmorden Health Centre and if you can help you can also contact Mr Baksa by telephone on 01706 817924.

"Playgrounds are going on the road..... A Silsden play manufacturer is going cross-country to encourage people to take up Nordic Skiing. Pennine Playgrounds has created a roadshow to show off its equipment to loacl authorities and other potention customers. The company, based in Wateside Business Park in Keighley Road, has mounted a Double Nordic Skier rig on a trailer. Director Vicki Braithwaite saide on growth area awas outdoor fitness euqiopment. She said, "Hitched up to one of our vans, the Double Nordic Skier is travelling around drumming up some serious business. The outdoor fitness areas provide a local community gym environment which is free to use and a great way to get fit".

Press Release... Ball Catcher Launch

6.3.12

The Pennine 3 Way Ball Catcher has been launched and Team Pennine are celebrating after a quick succession of orders. This fantastically designed piece of kit provides exceptional quality and guarantees and encourages at least 3 children to take part in ball play at any one time. SS Simon and Jude Primary School in Bolton have chosen a Blue Ball Catcher which is also available in Pennine Green. Special offers are available for multiple orders.

Kingsland Pupil Referral Unit New Outdoor Fitness Equipment

March 2012

A stunning new Outdoor Fitness and Gym Area has been created at Kingsland School, a Pupil Referral Unit in Oldham. This new facility is an extension to the new indoor gym equipment and allows the children to exercise and socialise in a safe outdoor area. 4 pieces of outdoor gym equipment have been installed including a Bike and Stepper, Triple Twister, Double Hip Flexor and Double Nordic Skier.

Team Pennine support and sponsor Ilkley U9 Rugby Club Team

20th Feb 2012

Team Pennine are proud to support and sponsor the U9 Ilkley Rugby Club Team with an issue of 6 Coaches’ Coats, jointly sponsored with KS Services, Pennine’s Computer Specialist support Company.

Phoenix Special School Outdoor Fitness Equipment Success

6th February 2012

The latest installation of our Outdoor Gym and Fitness Equipment has received an outstanding reference from the staff at Phoenix School, a Special Educational Needs school based in Peterborough. The School caters for 4-19 year old children with severe learning disabilities and the new outdoor fitness equipment provides a fantastic opportunity for the more ambulant individuals to use gym-type equipment in a safe and structured environment.

Outdoor Fitness Equipment Study

6th February 2012

Some interesting facts and figures on the use of outdoor gym and fitness equipment ……

A lengthy study by Pro-Active Camden has been carried out in the use of outdoor gyms after a major investment by NHS Camden of c£500k. The PAC has a proactive approach to increasing participation in sport and physical activity with 8 outdoor gym sites being created across the borough with some very significant findings about their success.

One of the key measures of success of the outdoor gyms is whether the users of the equipment would recommend them to other people. Of the 249 people interviewed, an overwhelming majority of people (94%) said that they would recommend them.

The study suggests that 43% of people have increased their amount of physical activity as a result of the outdoor gym equipment

84% of people had walked, cycled or ran to the outdoor gym facility, encouraging additional exercise.

The age of the users of the outdoor gym equipment was varied and fairly evenly spread.

The findings also show that the outdoor gyms are used by people of all ages, ethnicities and employment status. The Student population were also a high percentage of users (17%).

Outdoor Fitness Equipment Roadshow Launched 1st February 2012

1st February 2012

Watch this space for a Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment Roadshow near you! We have a Double Nordic Skier available to bring to all our customers, including prisons, young offender institutions, care homes, residential homes, nursing homes, town and parish councils, retirement homes, respite centres etc. Meanwhile, if you’d like to arrange your own personal showcase of our Outdoor Fitness Equipment, call the sales office now – there’s no cost and no obligation!

The PiP Success at Martin Frobisher Infants

November 2011

The Headteacher, Mr Jonathan Sharp has commended the newly launched PiP which was installed into his Key Stage 1 play area in September.

"The PIP system works very well. It gives opportunities to create a range of structures and spaces with different foci dependent on the learning intentions. The system is well made and easy to use and store." commented Mr Sharp

Pennine Host DCE Outdoor Gym & Fitness Equipment Seminar

November 2011

Pennine Playgrounds held a Seminar at the DCE Exhibitions in both Abergele and Leeds recently, outlining the benefits of Outdoor Gym & Fitness Equipment for Adults, in the nation’s struggle against obesity. 2 major topics were covered, including the amount of obese adults in the UK as well as the current ambiguity over the regulations governing Outdoor Gym Equipment:

“Obesity – The Numbers….

In 2009, almost a quarter of adults (22% of men and 24% of women aged 16 or over) in England were classified as obese (BMI 30kg/m2 or over).

A greater proportion of men than women (44% compared with 33%) in England were classified as overweight in 2009 (BMI 25 to less than 30kg/m2).

Read the numbers…66% of Men and 57% of women are overweight or obese!

We need to offer a solution

Source - The NHS Information Centre, Lifestyles Statistics.”

“Outdoor Gym Equipment – The Regulations

There are a wide range of suppliers with little or no regulation.

The PAS888 is being produced but is not being supported by the API or the RPII at present.

Some manufacturers are using parts of EN1176/1177 and EN957 and offering the TUV certificate as the best solution at present

The RPII have issued a document raising many concerns including the target market of this equipment and its proximity to play equipment.”

The PiP to be launched at Strong Close Nursery

November 2011

Strong Close Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Keighley is to incorporate The PiP into their outdoor learning space. Strong Close Nursery School and Children’s Centre is one of only 16 National Early Years Teaching Centres and Pennine are very proud to be working for such a forward thinking, outstanding Early Years Centre.

Stock Clearance of Kompan Play Equipment

5th November 2011

Fantastic savings can be made on the Kompan Supernova (GXY916) and the Kompan Ocean Seesaw (M187) in our Winter Warmers Special Offers. Save £1255 on the Supernova and £707 on the Ocean Seesaw List Prices for Supply Only. Further savings are also available on the delivery, installation and safety surfacing - call the Sales Office NOW for your Special Offer Quote! Limited Stock Available at these rates!

Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment Brochure

4th October 2011

The new Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment brochure is now available within our Product Catalogue section of the website. This innovative range of adult outdoor fitness equipment has been skilfully and thoughtfully designed and manufactured, offering simply outstanding quality. The design focus has been on improving health through a range of different forms of exercise – with 22 individual pieces of adult outdoor gym equipment, many being multi-functional, there’s something for everyone! From a Double Airwalker through to an Exercise Bike and Stepper, there really is no excuse for our nation not to get fitter now!

Rapid Response Repairs Launched

October 2011

Pennine’s Rapid Response Repair facility has been launched with great success. Flexiplay® wet pour patching and repairs to existing playground equipment have been carried out on a number of sites for Harrogate Borough Council and North Tyneside Council. Our Mission is to rectify small repairs swiftly and economically to prevent them from becoming much larger issues and also of course to ensure that the play areas remains safe and fit for use.

Erin joins Team Pennine

September 2011

Erin Walshaw has joined Team Pennine as a Sales Administrator, considerably strengthening the team with over 2 years' experience within the play industry. Good luck and welcome on board Erin!

RPII Guidelines on Adult Outdoor Fitness Equipment

26th August 2011

The RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) have issued a definitive brief on the use and siting of Outdoor Fitness Equipment in relation to children’s play areas. The recommendations clearly set out that a children’s play area and an Adult Outdoor Fitness Equipment area must be completely separate from each other. It is generally the case that the outdoor fitness kit is a facility for adults and children over 14, and these areas must be sited a minimum of 25 metres from a children’s play or segregated by some other means to provide a clear separation.

In addition, the guidelines report on the ideal testing of this type of equipment explaining that the BSEN1176 is not appropriate to the equipment as this standard is for play items and play areas intended for use by children under 14. It suggests that the EN 967 is also not relevant as this is for Stationary Fitness Equipment for use in supervised gyms. Our range of Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment is certified to the TUV which is the European test authority and has had a test protocol in place since 2007.

Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment Launched

5th September 2011

Pennine are delighted to announce that they have launched 2 ranges of outstanding outdoor fitness and gym equipment. This innovative equipment is renowned for its outstanding quality and fabulous design, and boasts extensive testing and conformity to the TUV Standard for Outdoor Equipment. The full brochure will be available in a downloadable format during September.

HERMCA Exhibition 2011

September 2011

For the second year running, Pennine Playgrounds are delighted to be exhibiting at Europe's leading Caravan and Leisure Show in Cottingham, East Yorkshire. The Caravan Extravaganza - The Lawns - is held on 3rd and 4th September and The Lawns Trade Show will be from the 6th-8th September. This year's stand show cases the Pennine Trim Trail with the ever popular Early Years Climbing A Frame Net.

Proludic and Pennine work closer together

July 2011

Pennine's "Best of Breed" philosophy has been considerably strengthened with a closer relationship with Proludic Ltd. Pennine and Proludic have worked together for many years. The extensive range of Proludic kit now available to Pennine will bring exciting and innovative designs to the Pennine Portfolio.

The PiP Success Story

June 2011

With several schools in the North of England now enjoying the benefits of The PiP - the Pennine Interchangeable Pod - the success story is really unfolding. The PiP Learning Canvasses can be changed several times a day, providing a brand new education arena to specifically work alongside areas of the curriculum. The additional shade and shower proof benefits as well as low starter price point are making The PiP a complete winner for all!

API Executive Appointment

June 2011

Pennine Playgrounds are representing the API, The Association of Play Industries, with our Business Development Manager taking up the position of Executive Officer on the prestigious API Committee. We have joined the taskforce to review the Local Authority procurement process for playground design and build.

Pennine Playgrounds Launch The PIP with Outstanding Success

8th and 9th April 2011, Manchester Central Exhibition Centre

The Launch of THE PIP, "The Pennine Interchangeable Pod" at The TES Education North Exhibtion at the weekend was simply outstanding. The North's ultimate childcare and education show was the perfect arena, with our exhbition stand being inundated with visitors. The PIP has been developed over the past year and provides a unique concept in outdoor education using interactive and interchangeable learning PIP Panels.

Pennine Angels Support Macmillan Charity Event

May 2011

The Pennine Angels, aka Denise, Sharron, Lucy, Judith, Katrina and Vicki are supporting and attending the Macmillan Centenary Fashion Show Event to be held at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley on Thursday 5th May 2011. Macmillan Cancer is Pennine Playgrounds' chosen Charity for 2011 who will benefit from any fundraising events.

TES Education North Exhibition

8th - 9th April 2011, Stand C14

Pennine Playgrounds are excited to be exhibiting at Manchester Central at what´s largely considered the North of England´s leading education show. The TES Education Exhibition, incorporates Early Years & Primary Teaching and Special Needs North. Pennine Playgrounds will be launching a brand new concept in outdoor education as well as our own Activity Trails.

Come and see for yourself!

Activity Trails and Shelters launched

March 2011

Pennine Playgrounds have launched their own Activity Trails to enable their customers to benefit from industry-leading guarantees and quality. The low level activity trails and challenging climbing walls offer fantastic play value whilst being highly competitive. By using premium timber components manufactured from micronized radiata, an outstanding 15 year warranty on the timber is offered with confidence.

Pennine Playgrounds retain their CHAS accreditation

March 2011

Pennine Playgrounds have retained their CHAS accreditation with extra brownie points from their assessor for the clear, professional way in which their application was submitted and the rapid response to any queries. In addition, their application to Constructionline is now being processed, another sign of Pennine´s commitment to both employees and customers for high standards of Health & Safety on all sites.

High Scores for Pennine Playgrounds with Framework Agreement

February 2011

Pennine Playgrounds were delighted to hear they were successful in their application to be on the North Tyneside framework agreement for the next 4 years - scoring highly in all categories and ranking first for supply and installation of MUGA´s.

Pennine Playgrounds beat off stiff competition to win Station Road Play Area

December 2010

Following a rigorous appraisal and meeting specific criteria, Pennine Playgrounds were delighted to be awarded the design and build project at Station Road Wallsend, above 60 other leading play companies and contractors.

Project works to commence on site in January 2011 with an anticipated completion date of April 2011.

Team Pennine attend Casino Royale Evening

December 2010

Team Pennine turned heads at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, when the James Bond entourage arrived to celebrate the Christmas festivities in style - a welcome change from the annual bowling and curry Christmas Do!

Pennine expands the Sales Team!

December 2010

The Sales and Design Department has expanded further with the recruitment of 2 new Pennine People.Paul Kavanagh joins us as Projects Specialist and brings with him over 6 years of hands on professional experience with an incredible understanding of how to make the most of school playgrounds!

Pennine Awarded Wisbech Play Area Install Project

June 2010

Pennine are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the National Lottery and Playbuilder 1M Pathfinder Adventure Playground, part funded by Aiming High, at Wisbech, for Cambridgeshire County Council and Sutcliffe Play. Months of planning and site negotiations preceded the start date of 1.4.10 - works are now well under way with a proposed completion date of 31.8.10.

Pennine Drives Business Development

June 2010

We are delighted to announce that Kevin Sellwood has joined Team Pennine as business development manager to further strengthen the sales team - Kevin is a well known and respected ambassador within the play industry, known for his uncompromising commitment for delivering outstanding play area designs and having a huge passion for play.

Karen Carpenter also joins Pennine, supporting Kevin’s customers and providing a welcome addition to our fast growing business development team.

Team Pennine scoop 10 NVQ’s

June 2010

Congratulations go to Team Pennine who have passed 10 NVQ Level 2 Qualifications and CPCS competency in plant operations. Months of training in mini diggers and dumpers followed by on site assessments as well as literacy tests have resulted in 10 of our site guys passing with flying colours! Our commitment to the company personal development plan for all Pennine Playgrounds employees allows us to upskill our workforce offering new opportunities and promotion for our people.

Pennine Launch Maintenance & Inspection Solutions

1st July 2010

It’s here at last! Over the years, many of our customers have asked us to provide an after sales service to include maintenance - we’ve listened and launched Pennine’s maintenance and inspection solutions!

We’re offering a range of options to suit all budgets, from a one-off operational inspection through to an annual package where we’ll take all the stress out of looking after your play area.

10 Pennine people have been trained to deliver inspections along with written reports to our customers, to ensure that your play areas continue to meet the BSEN requirements. Call now for further information and to book your Summer 2010 play area MOT!

Flexiplay Wet Pour Safety Surfacing Launch

June 2010

With over 15 years of experience in all play area safety surfacing options, we have launched our own uniquely designed wet pour system - FLEXIPLAY. In an ever competitive market, our premium brand Flexiplay offers uncompromising quality to ensure longevity of use, whilst being very favourably priced.

Team Pennine, our in-house fully CRB checked and trained wet pour specialists, will install the new Flexiplay brand of surfacing, with vibrant colours through to natural blends to provide the perfect safety surfacing solution.

Full tests to BSEN11 77 have taken months to complete, and full certification includes slip resistance, tensile properties, ease of ignition and of course the varying critical fall heights.

Pennine Playgrounds Rebrand

September 2009

Designing Demand have worked closely with Pennine Playgrounds to bring about a complete rebrand, in order to reposition the company as a design-led play specialist. Whilst Pennine have always offered a full design and build service, the new branding elevates their profile. Supported by Business Link, Pennine are the first play company to benefit from this exciting initiative. Ellis Pitt, Designing Demand Consultant commented, “One of the things that sets Pennine Playgrounds apart is their complete conviction to embrace our involvement, they are a near-perfect example of enthusiasm, commitment, open-mindedness and action all rolled into one. As a result, Pennine Playgrounds will get so much more out of Designing Demand”.

Vicki Braithwaite is enthusiastic about the changes. “Our new brand reflects our values and we’re not just applying this to the visual imagery; the vans, stationery and website. We have now identified ten areas within our customer service, where we know we can make a dramatic improvement. What’s more, we will be able to evidence it through the increased number of referrals and our customer satisfaction survey.”

Team Pennine rise to their training challenge

September 2009

12 members of the team have successfully completed their CPCS Red Card for Dumper training and testing, and 4 members of the team have also succeeded in the mini digger category. This brings invaluable skills and certification to the installation teams as well as helping our People meet their personal goals.

A day at the Races!

September 2009

A Team Building Day at The Races is planned for Friday 9th October when the Company will enjoy a corporate event to celebrate the new brand launch, and everyone’s successes over the past year.

Recycling gains momentum at Pennine HQ

September 2009

An additional recycling facility for surplus timber packaging has been introduced at Pennine to reduce needless landfill. This underpins our commitment to reduce waste products and supports our Environmental Statement.

Pennine goes Pink!

September 2009

Team Pennine are planning to turn play areas pink on the 30th October to support National Breast Cancer Day. Everyone will be wearing pink in their efforts to raise funds for Breast Cancer.